The main argument of the thesis is that the use of the California National Guard (CNG) in response to major emergencies has both advantages and disadvantages as a model for countries in transition, such as Ukraine. Furthermore, it argues that civil- military relations in domestic support operations (DSO) are a very important factor to consider when new democracies try to build an effective system of emergency management. The author attempts to explain why the civil authorities, specifically in the United States, request military involvement in domestic emergencies while remaining suspicious about military involvement in domestic affairs. He discusses the reasons for military involvement in disaster relief and law enforcement operations, and the considerations and constraints by which the US federal legislation authorizes and limits it. The study is based on two cases of DSO in which the CNG participated as one of the leading agencies: the 1992 Los Angeles Riots as an example of military assistance in a civil disturbance operation and the 1994 Northridge Earthquake as an example of a disaster assistance operation. In the conclusion, the thesis provides recommendations about the applicability of the CNG's experience and organizational features for the emergency management systems in new democracies, particularly Ukraine.